The Perikatan Nasional government has undermined and obstructed the exercise of fundamental freedoms during its first twelve months in power, said Article 19 and Civicus in a new report published today.
The government has not only failed to reform or repeal laws that restrict the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association but has initiated baseless criminal proceedings against government critics, human rights defenders, journalists and individuals expressing critical opinions.
The report “Rights in Reverse: One year under the Perikatan Nasional government in Malaysia” highlights the PN government’s record during its first year in power against its obligation to respect, protect and fulfil the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association.
The report highlights the government’s sustained use of repressive laws and provisions to silence dissent amid a global pandemic, when press freedom and civil society is needed more than ever to ensure reliable information and to hold the state accountable.
“The Perikatan Nasional government has been extremely secretive about its legislative agenda but has been crystal clear about its intention to continue using repressive laws to target critics and dissenters,” Article 19’s Malaysia programme officer Nalini Elumalai said.
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“A healthy environment for public discourse cannot be achieved until dissenting and unpopular opinions are respected and protected instead of silenced.”
Over the past year, authorities have aggressively applied the Sedition Act 1948 and the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (CMA) to investigate, arrest, charge and convict individuals who have criticised government officials or Malaysian royalty or who have shared opinions about sensitive issues such as race and religion.
Between March 2020 and February 2021, Article 19 and Civicus recorded 66 cases involving 77 individuals who have been investigated or charged under the two laws because of their exercise of the right to freedom of expression. Over this period, at least 12 people were convicted under the CMA.
Press freedom has also declined sharply during the PN government’s first year in power. This trend was highlighted by Malaysiakini’s conviction on contempt of court charges in relation to third-party comments made on its website, the unprecedented witch hunt against Al Jazeera journalists investigating the treatment of migrant workers during the coronavirus pandemic, and the targeting of journalists reporting on the actions and statements of government officials. The harassment and intimidation of journalists further demonstrates the shrinking space for free and independent media in Malaysia.
In addition to journalists, the authorities have harassed, investigated, and arbitrarily detained human rights defenders, peaceful protesters, women’s rights activists and union leaders in an effort to silence civil society voices.
The legal framework governing the exercise of freedom of assembly and association remains highly restrictive and excessively burdensome.
The Peaceful Assembly Act falls short of international law and standards and denies the right to protest to children and non-citizens. It also fails to allow for spontaneous assemblies.
The last year saw peaceful protesters being investigated and arrested, including health workers protesting their lack of access to adequate personal protective equipment during the pandemic.
The Societies Act has continued to stand in the way of enjoyment of the right to freedom of association, which is critical in a democracy. The Registrar of Societies has excessive powers and has erected barriers to registration for new opposition political parties such as Muda and Pejuang and civil society groups while simultaneously fast-tracking the registration of PN.
“The Perikatan government has attempted to silence peaceful protesters and impede the formation of political parties to keep itself in power,” Civicus researcher Josef Benedict said.
“Its attempt to join the Human Rights Council cannot be taken seriously unless it takes immediate steps to remove undue restrictions on assembly and association.”
Article 19 and Civicus urge the Malaysian government to undertake a comprehensive and inclusive process of legislative and institutional reform in order to promote and protect fundamental rights and freedoms.
To this end, authorities must ensure that all processes are fully transparent and facilitate full and effective participation of all concerned stakeholders, including civil society.
Malaysia’s reform process must be informed by relevant international human rights standards. The PN government should take concrete steps towards the ratification of core human rights treaties, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. – Civicus
AGENDA RAKYAT - Lima perkara utama
- Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
- Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
- Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
- Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
- Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
Thank you, Article 19 and Civictus for calling out the shameful conduct of the Pengkhianat Nasional govt.
Even if it is only for our own consumption, the powers-that-be dont care a hoot, we see this again as an example of Muhyiddin’s cakap tak sama bikin rountine!